GAME REPORT

Sparta&K Wrap Up RS In Style

Sparta&K M.R Vidnoje wrapped up their EuroLeague Women regular season campaign in style after cruising to a convincing 71-46 success against Group C cellar dwellers WBC Novi Zagreb.

The Russian side made it five home wins in a row, to head into next month's play-offs full of confidence as they completed the double over their opponents.

Even though Sparta&K were generally in control, the visitors had managed to hang around and give themselves a fighting chance until the last ten minutes when they imploded.

They were comprehensively outplayed and outscored 20-4 by the home side during the final quarter, to bow out of the competition on a decidedly low note.

Sparta&K head coach Alexander Vasin was able to hand out even more court-time than usual to his array of young guns, with 17-year-old playmaker Kseniia Levchenko dishing up five assists.

Daria Namok meanwhile recorded a career high score of nine points to continue her impressive first full season in the competition, whilst Tijana Ajdukovic missed out on a double-double by one board after claiming 11 points.

Jelena Ivezic top scored for the losing team with 15 points, whilst the only ever present this season for Novi Zagreb in the shape of Luca Ivankovic, produced a typically reliable and impressive 13 points and 12 rebounds.

COACH QUOTES

Quotes Sparta&K MR Vidnoje vs. WBC Novi Zagreb

Novi Zagreb coach, Vladimir Ivankovic:

"My congratulations to Sparta&K not only for today's result but also for their performance during the group games. This was a game with no pressure except of winning as a matter of pride. I wish them good luck in the next round and hope to meet them again next season. I am sure we will do better."

Novi Zagreb, Antonija Juric:

"Congratulations to Sparta&K. I wish them to qualify to the Final Eight . As for us we were looking to also reach at least the play-off round but because of some tough close losses unfortunately we fell short. Hopefully next season we will again compete in the EuroLeague Women and we will do better."

Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje, Alex Vasin

"Even though the competition system had made this a game of no [points] interest it actually was interesting for us because we wanted to see how our younger players react. A win is always a welcomed result but how our young - hungry players played satisfied me. Now we have to wait till later tonight to find out our opponent and start preparing for that important series."

Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje, Evgenia Belyakova

"We have been labeled a ‘young' team but today we had an opportunity to see the ‘younger' team play... Actually I was satisfied to be a part of an overall team effort where almost everybody played ample time and almost nobody monopolized scoring. Now we have to get ready for the playoff games which will decide who reaches the Final Eight. Having home court advantage will surely help."